I've been seeing a lot of menus from Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar on eBay lately, and given how much I adore the place its starting to annoy me. Because of the Disney popularity, it makes the menus highly desirable. My other joints like Tonga Hut or Tiki No don't really have that issue, nor the fancy hardback menus (heck even the well-illustrated patio menus), so Sam's has an easy target on its back. I suppose it annoys me because the place is actively in business. Is this a common thing in the community? I completely understand the joy of the hunt for menus from inactive and closed locations, but it seems to me that this should be pretty taboo. Sellers make big bucks off them and several times I've walked in and the bartenders have held onto the menus or only had the patio menus out since they're cheaper to replace.

What's the overall thought on this in general? Are there other locations around the country that have people stealing menus as well? I've read a few topics where people steal menus from restaurants that are actively going out of business and the owners are upset even then (personally I'd ask to even buy it for a handful of dollars.)

"A man who would steal an egg will steal a whole chicken." To me, theft is theft, regardless of how much it "hurts" the victim. Money they pay for printing new menus is money out of their pocket, and with the smaller tiki joints those costs have to add up. In my opinion, the best solution is for the restaurants to offer the menus for sale on their websites. If they're available for purchase for a reasonable fee, it will put an end to the theft for resale, and likely reduce theft for personal use as well. This irks me as much as when I read about people stealing tiki mugs from restaurants.

I hope the Mai Kai offers their new menus for sale, although I suppose their large size will make thievery difficult. I wonder if that's one reason why they're so large?
_________________"You can't eat real Polynesian food. It's the most horrible junk I've ever tasted." —Trader Vic Bergeron

I can see why people would do it. Collector's, sellers, people looking for a keepsake, etc. I thought about absconding with a menu once, but my conscience wouldn't let me. I'm sure there are many here who have a Trader Sam's menu, but I assume they are good people. There could be a cheap souvenir one made up for those who want one, I guess. My brother got a menu from Frankie's in Vegas, but asked permission first.

The term "field collecting" and even "pot digging" are terms used in archeology for items obtained without permission. The same terms could be used for lifting mugs, menus and other items from these bars and restaurants. The cost to make and use these items are part of the overhead of many businesses that are already struggling to remain open. In my view if the items are not offered in a gift shop at the restaurant it is best to ask to purchase what you are interested in. In archeology an item dug from the ground gives and adds to the overall story and history of the site in which it was found. Many times I have found Tiki items in the wild at thrift stores and antique malls and marvel at how these things have survived and traveled over time. Many may have been lifted back in the day by a patron to one of the classic bars or bought as a souvenir. Many have a great story or history to tell. As with modern restaurants I think it's best to ask before you decide to give in to temptation. I'll jump off my soap box now. Thanks .
_________________"Anyone who has ever seen them is thereafter haunted as if by a feverish dream" Karl Woermann

Theft is theft. If someone lifts a mug or a menu without permission or paying for it, it's the same as walking out of a Target or WalMart with stuff under your arm that you didn't pay for. And just b/c it's a big "faceless" corporation like Disney or Target are often percieved to be, doesn't make it "less wrong", which I have heard some people use as a justifcation.

Agreed that this kind of thing (menu/mug theft) should be viewed differently with items from places that are no longer open (particularly ones that are long, long gone). But, with a place like Trader Sam's that doesn't sell their menus and still has its doors wide open, there's no excuse.

There's a similar perspective on swizzles and location-specific cocktails napkins. If you want some extras for souvenirs and friends, just ASK a bartender. Don't reach over and grab a handful from behind the bar. Don't ever reach behind the bar for anything, period.

If I saw a Sam's hardback menu in a thrift store, I'd buy it just to consider returning it to the restaurant. Sam's has updated their menus a few times since they first opened (usually to reflect new mugs), so if it's not going to be a version they can easily re-use (which I'd ask one of the many skippers who I'm friendly with there), I'd perhaps keep the menu discreetly in my own collection.

But, buying a menu directly from some schmuck who openly admits "I was just recently at Sam's and got this!" certainly deserves a "no sale" or at least alot of scrutiny as to how they obtained the menu when it's well-known not to be for sale.

Back in the Mid Century glory days, hotels and restaurants would have ashtrays with their names on them with the understanding that patrons would take them as unauthorized souvenir but it would actually be free advertising for the establishments.

However nowadays, this stuff is a big expense to the establishments. I understand that Don the Beachcomber in Huntington Beach had problem with theft of their nice menus and drinkware and had to switch to cheaper alternatives. If it gets too bad, these establishments will be printing their menus on newspaper quality paper and serving drinks in paper cups.
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